Synonyms of supersede

supersede

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈsēd 

as in to replace

to take the place of

that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one

Synonyms & Similar Words

• replace
• supplant
• substitute
• relieve
• displace
• usurp
• displant
• preempt
• cut out

Synonym Chooser

How is the word supersede distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supersede are displace, replace, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

When is it sensible to use displace instead of supersede?

The synonyms displace and supersede are sometimes interchangeable, but displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When can replace be used instead of supersede?

While the synonyms replace and supersede are close in meaning, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

Where would supplant be a reasonable alternative to supersede?

The meanings of supplant and supersede largely overlap; however, supplant implies either a dispossessing or usurping of another's place, possessions, or privileges or an uprooting of something and its replacement with something else.

was abruptly supplanted in her affections by another

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of supersede

The doctrine of Velayat-e Faqih allowed Khomeini to supersede the political views of other government officials and the popular will itself. —Ramin Jahanbegloo, Time, 3 Feb. 2026

But their deployment, marauding the streets of American communities, operating with military posture and lethal force, supersedes that mission and strikes at the heart of constitutional governance. —Larry Pino, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026

According to a superseding indictment in the first case, the FBI and IRS began a criminal investigation in late 2023 into an investor fraud scheme involving Willy. —Patrick Danner, San Antonio Express-News, 30 Jan. 2026

Campbell also claimed that an IRS lien against his assets superseded the charging orders, but the existence of an IRS lien did not negate the charging orders. —Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!